So, exactly what is a Traffic Exchange?

A new member recently contacted me with this question:

“Hi,I am currently a Gold Member and truthfully, I just don't understand how to use the site. I have read the info and still just don't understand. So, when it comes to one having to spend a lot of time trying to do something and it just seems futile..I am sorry. Would like to support your business. Just don't know how. I am doing well with my other programs...would like to do well with you and hope that I can.”

Wow, did that bring back memories of my first experiences with a traffic exchange! I was really lost at first and have a clue about to what was up with them. But once I got the hang of them, I loved them a lot! Lol. Now I have 4 soon to be 5. http://www.xtreamsurf.com/ is my first traffic exchange and now the flagship of our marketing network.

Ok, first things first: let’s talk about these things called a Traffic Exchange, also referred to as a “surf” site. This particular member joined on a special gold offer which means they also have several added features not available to basic members like banner and text ads. So, what does this all mean to you?

The basic principle behind an Exchange is to “exchange ads.” You view other members’ ads on the surf bar earning credits to rotate your own for other members to view. On the script I use, Basic members have a 5:3 surf ratio meaning for every 5 sites they view, they get to show 3 of their own. In addition to the ads/sites being shown on the surf bar, there are also banner ads and text ads being shown INDEPENDANTLY from the surf. Also, when you access the main site, you see text ads and banners from members, as well as inside your member’s area.

So, the basic value is: you put your sites up on 1. The surf, 2. On banner ads, 3. On text ads. Inside your members’ area are the icons for adding urls, adding credits to run the urls, adding text and banner ads. Once you get your ads and sites loaded and credits added, the sites go to admin for final approval. Once approved, as long as there are credits added to the sites, they run until…well, they run out of credits!

That is the BASIC value of an exchange. Xtream features many “value-added” resources such as the adblasters found on the forum, exclusive and discounted offers, other free marketing resources, the forum itself and several blogs, safelists and other sites, all of which tie in together and create a marketing network. We also work to create a dynamic COMMUNITY of marketers, business owners, entrepreneurs, affiliates and etc in support of one other.

Now, as a gold member, you do not have to do a lot of surfing at the present time, but surfing is what keeps an exchange alive. It rotates the sites, everyone gets to see what’s up, going on, out there and etc. You can access your surfing icons either from your member’s are under “surf options”, or copy, paste and load your preferred method of surfing from the surf url itself (also found under “surf options.”) onto your browser.

The surf works on any browser. I love http://www.maxthon.com/en/download.htm It is free to download. Very easy to load, user friendly and blocks pop ups, adware, downloaders, spy ware, and etc dead in its tracks. We try to keep the surf as clean as possible, but, there is so much stuff out on the web anymore it is impossible to keep everything off. Maxthon browser is by far the best I have discovered for facilitating the surf while preventing the nasties from entering your computer.

Also, since it is a “tabbed” browser, you can get a surf session going and still work on other things as you watch the surf. Great for “muti-tasking.”

As far as the surf goes, some people swear by manual surf, others by auto. Manual surf you have to click on the GO icon at the end of the surf rotation to load a new site. Auto does it for you. Personally, I am an Auto surf fan.

So, to summarize to this point: you joined a traffic exchange where you surf sites in exchange for credits to have your sites surfed and thus seen. You can also load banner and text ads as well. You can “auto” or “manual” surf. You are upgraded with lots of credits so do not have to marathon surf, but some surfing on your part does help keep the exchange viable.

On the blog http://xtreamnet.blogspot.com/ are some articles on “how to” do a number of things like “add urls”, banners, text ads and etc. Our forum (accessed from your member’s area) has even more articles, and is also where many rules are posted and explained, provides even more offers and information. Rules are pretty simple: anything which disrupts or stops the surf or is of “an inappropriate nature” are not allowed.

There are many ways you can support our/your site, chief among them (besides surfing a bit) is REFERRING! You have a referral url which earns you credits (and a bit of cash) every time you “show” it on another site, someone clicks on your link and etc. Traffic exchanges, especially “free exchanges” which offer generous sign on credits and “value-add ons” are really quite easy to promote and it will surprise you how many people will sign up for them. You earn commissions on any purchases your downline makes plus, credits for their surfing!

Some of my first real marketing successes where in promoting traffic exchanges, so much so that I decided to “promote” my own so to speak! They are great communities when managed correctly, giving members and Admin/owners alike a chance to communicate, bond, get to know one another and etc. It gives you a chance to “network”, build alliances, make friends and escape the “nameless, faceless” syndrome found so much on the net anymore.

Traffic exchanges are a part of a balanced marketing portfolio: they are not the end all and be all of marketing nor should they take up a lot of your time, but, like anything else, they take “some” time to use properly and manage. They can also become a source of income! Some people (my partner is one) makes a tidy little sum every month via surfing some “paid-to-surf” programs. We will be bringing one, http://www.powerpaysurf.com/ on board very soon. Exchanges can also be powerful sources for ideas, comradeship, creating networks, building business alliances and exchanging ideas and information going way beyond just “traffic.“

By: Cherie Halliday
http://www.xtreamsurf.com/